Primary Bank, which celebrated its grand opening Friday as the first new New Hampshire bank in seven years, expects to build three additional branches and reach at least $300 million in assets in the...

NHIAA Football: Bulldogs flying high

By MARC THALERNew Hampshire Union Leader

BEDFORD — Seconds after each shotgun snap fires the football to his fingertips, Bedford quarterback James Caparell regularly sees his best friend run a double team-drawing deep route, two cousins fearlessly dodge defenders between the hash marks, and another childhood buddy stand nearby as the ultimate security blanket.

Fans may recognize two of those surnames from 1970s Granite State football. Nick's father, Dr. James Vailas, played at Dartmouth. Michael's father, businessman and former Trinity High of Manchester head coach Nick Vailas, teamed at Plymouth State with Don York.

';That was way back in the day,'; said Dylan, quick to emphasize ';way'; when talking about his dad.

Bedford's playmakers are fast making names for themselves, too.

Collins, the Vailases and York combined for 53 receptions and 887 receiving yards (11 touchdowns) through four games. They relish their roles in Bedford's spread offense, led by one of the best pure passers in the NHIAA ranks.

';We wouldn't be scoring touchdowns if it wasn't for him, so I think he deserves the credit,'; Collins said of Caparell, who may eclipse 1,000 passing yards Saturday night when the fifth-year varsity Bulldogs visit Stellos Stadium for a 7 p.m. date with four-time defending champion Bishop Guertin of Nashua.

The passing game — as Caparell & Co. quickly pointed out during Monday's interview at the high school — is just one reason for Bedford's strong start in Division II.

Inexperienced when the season started, the offensive line is quickly building cohesion and largely providing quality protection. Linebacker David Cannone is leading an athletic and aggressive defense.

';The whole team has exceeded my expectations so far,'; said Bedford head coach Kurt Hines, whose team this preseason lost 6-foot 7-inch, 275-pound left tackle Will McInerny, a scholarship talent who underwent surgery to both knees.

Bedford's thrilling 25-24 win last Friday at then-No. 4 Keene added to the excitement surrounding this team. The Bulldogs, after a 90-minute bus ride to the Elm City, erased three deficits, including a 12-point hole.